Chasing The Derby: Hear The Ghost

We may become jaded along the Derby Trail, but it’s always a surprise nonetheless when an injury is reported out of nowhere. Thursday afternoon it was announced Hear the Ghost, winner of the San Felipe (G2) and second favorite in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1), had a “small injury” to his front leg. He’ll need around 90 days to heal, thus is officially ruled off the trail. His absence is truly unfortunate, as it appeared Hear the Ghost was on an upward trajectory and was not only a real threat at Santa Anita, but also in the division overall// Selections are beginning to trickle in for the two big Saturday preps. Although most handicappers are deciding between Verrazano and Vyjack in the Wood Memorial, they’re not on top of everyone’s ticket.

Ellis Star believes Elnaawi is primed for an upset// I side with Byron King in thinking Super Ninety Nine could be the value play in the Santa Anita Derby. Although he calls his last race “a clunker”- something I don’t completely agree with- King feels Baffert would not run Super Ninety Nine against tough company and two stablemates if he didn’t believe in his ability// more…

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Point Races:

Wood Memorial (G1)

Aqueduct

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Time: 6:28PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

Preview: NYRA / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF / Churchil Downs [Video]

Picks: Downey Profile / Equibase / Bloodhorse THS [video] / DRF: Byron King /

Santa Anita Derby (G1)

Santa Anita

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Time: 7:00PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

Preview: Santa Anita / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF / Churchill Downs [Video] /

Picks: Downey Profile / Bloodhorse THS [video] /

Articles:

Hear the Ghost injured, to miss Triple Crown (Bloodhorse)

Scratch of Hear The Ghost leaves Flashback heavy favorite (DRF)

Like 1804 silver dollar: Coindealers hit paydirt with Goldencents (Courier Journal Blog)

Wood Memorial loftier than Santa Anita Derby (The San Luis Obispo Tribune)

Wood Memorial breeds a player-fan conflict (DRF)

Can Verrazano overcome Aqueduct? (ESPN)

Lightly raced Verrazano has made it look easy so far (USA Today)

Point/Counterpoint: Verrazano vs. Vyjack (Horseracing Nation)

Santa Anita Derby and Wood preview [plus analysis of last weekend] (Bloodhorse)

Derby Day won’t be Ladies Day (ESPN)

Twinspires.com launches Kentucky Derby Bank Roll Bonanza (Brisnet)

Quotes and Tweets:

"[Crop Report] no bluegrass. Peter Pan then Belmont"- Bradley Weisbord via Twitter

"John Terranova says final decision on FallingSky comes over weekend. Has MartinGarcia secured if current ArkDerby lean gets locked in"- Rolly Hoyt via Twitter

PPs and previews for Wood and Santa Anita Derby// Blue Grass news// Texas Bling breezes// New rankings// more…

Entries were drawn for two important and historic Derby preps this Saturday- the Wood Memorial (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1). Serious contenders abound in both races, including undefeated Vyjack and Verrazano in the Wood, and graded stakes winners Hear the Ghost, Flashback, and Goldencents in the SA Derby. Previews, features, videos, and a link to free PPs can be found below. New security measures will be taken for entrants in both races. Some may feel it’s a little Big Brother-ish, but it doesn’t bother me. The sport has a horrible reputation of negligence when it comes to illegal substances administered by trainers and vets// Blue Gras probable Tesseron breezed a long 6-furlongs at Keeneland Wednesday. Josie Carroll says the colt is a late bloomer who likes the Polytrack surface. West Hill’s Giant, second last time out in the Gotham (G3), worked 4-furlongs at Belmont and will ship in for the Blue Grass// I had no idea the final time of 1 3/16 mile UAE Derby was so close to the final time of the 1 1/4 mile Dubai World Cup. Just 1.17 seconds separated the two races, which suggests Lines Of Battle’s victory in the UAE Derby was very slow. Oddsmaker Roxy Roxborough says not to be too concerned seeing as Meydan’s Tapeta surface quickened drastically between the two races due to the sudden drop in temperature// more…

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Point Races:

Wood Memorial (G1)

Aqueduct

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Time: 6:28PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

Previews: NYRA / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

Santa Anita Derby (G1)

Santa Anita

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Time: 7:00PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

Previews: Santa Anita / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

Articles:

NYRA and NYS Gaming Commission announce enhanced security measures for Wood Memorial participants (NYRA)

Rosario reflects on World Cup, ready for Wood (Bloodhorse)

Verrazano arrives at Aqueduct, Pletcher interview [video] (NYRA via YouTube)

Hear the Ghosts owners have big dreams for bargain horse (DRF)

Santa Anita Derby pivotal race for Always in a Tiz (DRF)

Santa Anita Derby runners to undergo 72 hours surveillance (DRF)

Kentucky Derby: Nakatani still in hunt for first win (DRF)

Blue Grass notes: Tesseron, Java’s War, Falling Sky, West Hills Giant (Keeneland)

Bel-Air based horse breeders have reason for Derby fever [Orb] (The Baltimore Sun)

Roxborough on the UAE Derby (Downey Profile)

3-year-olds to watch 4/3 (In The Money)
Kentucky Derby Daily April 3 (In The Money)

Kentucky Derby report 4/3 (Brisnet)

Mylute… Super Screener Kentucky Derby dark horse (Horseracing Nation)

Who’s hot who’s not April 3 (DRF)

Arkansas Derby: Texas Bling has sharp workout (DRF)

Post race show 3/30 [Fla and La Derbies] (ABR Live via YouTube)

Gary Stevens: ‘Everybody knows the Kentucky Derby. It’s America’s race’ (The Guardian)

Kentucky Derby far more than a race (ESPN)

Speak Logistics tops Calder Derby (Bloodhorse)

Rankings:

Triple Crown Watch 4/3 [Top 40] (ABR Live)

Orb returns to top spot- Top 10 (ESPN)

Kentucky Derby Top 20 (DRF)

Works:

Texas Bling- OP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 1/7

West Hills Giant- BEL- 4F- 49:10- B- 17/30

Tesseron- KEE- 6F- 1.16:20- B- 1/1

Quotes and Tweets:

"Derby third Departing arrived @ChurchillDowns at 7:30 a.m. and was bedded down in trainer Al Stall Jr.'s Barn 45"- Derby Media via Twitter

"David Wilkenfeld, owner of Vyjack, said he will match previously announced $20,000 reward for information regarding Rudy's latest positive"- David Grening via Twitter

"Rydilluc is settled nicely into Keeneland and had a great gallop today. Will breeze Thursday" Gary Contessa via Twitter

"Battaglia: #Verrazano needs to win #Wood impressively to be #KyDerby fave over #Orb"- Jennie Rees via Twitter

More contenders arrive at Churchill// Trainers thinking ahead// Features on Hear the Ghost, Goldencents, Verrazano, Orb// Updated future odds// more...

The announcement by several trainers and owners of when they would ship their contenders to Churchill was made into something of a joke in Twitterland given the apparent common sense nature of the news. Those who are laughing are missing the rather important point of exactly how much time these colts will have to get acclimated and train over the Churchill track. Vyjack, for instance, will ship very soon after Saturday’s Wood, and seeing as he’s never shipped, let alone raced at Churchill, it’s a worthwhile and positive decision to hear. Verrazano will also ship shortly after the Wood for more than two weeks of preparation at Churchill. Trainer Todd Pletcher is always somewhat unpredictable from year-to-year with his pre-Derby strategy. Just last year he decided to train his two contenders in Florida and ship to Louisville the Tuesday before the Derby. Perhaps their 13th and 16th place finishes prompted him to revert back to his old strategy?// Three contenders shipped into Churchill Tuesday. Mylute, second by a neck to Revolutionary in the Louisiana Derby (G2), should have enough points to make the Derby gate. The decision by trainer Tom Amoss to remove blinkers seemed to do the trick, and with another five weeks of training Mylute could be sitting on an even bigger race on the first Saturday in May. Falling Sky was another arrival to Churchill, but he will move next week to Keeneland for the Blue Grass (G1) or to Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby (G1) seeing as he’s in need of more points. Dynamic Sky will also use the Kentucky Derby track in preparation for the Blue Grass and has the most room to make up on the point standings// Several writers and fans are jumping the gun on the potential dilemma John Velazquez could face with his Derby mount choice between Orb and Verrazano. It’s simple- if the race were held today he would be aboard Verrazano. Two main reasons: he’s the likely favorite and trainer Todd Pletcher is essentially Velazquez’s racing partner. If Verrazano lays an egg in the Wood Memorial, then Velazquez could have a real decision to make, but unless that happens, let’s assume he’s tied to the favorite// Matt Gardner at SB Nation comments on the lack of uniformity in speed figures between the Florida Derby (G1) and Louisiana Derby (G2). While BRIS, Equibase, and Performance Figures all have Revolutionary’s win at the Fair Grounds a faster race than Orb’s at Gulfstream, the most well-known speed figure, the Beyer, has the opposite. As I stated yesterday- and regardless of what speed figure you subscribe to- I believe the Florida Derby was the more impressive race given the competition and ease with which Orb won// Speaking of Orb, there’s a nice feature on him from Paul Moran at ESPN// Jockey Kevin Krigger is bullish on Goldencents’ chances in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and thinks the colt will relax in the early stages, something he was unable to do in the San Felipe (G2). Winner of that race, Hear the Ghost, will get more attention this time around and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer believes he can adjust to any pace scenario. Hollendorfer also said the plan after the Santa Anita Derby is for Hear the Ghost to stay in California up to three to five days before the Derby// According to an average winning distance chart based on sire line and damsire line crosses, Black Onyx has the best distance potential of all main Derby contenders. TrueNicks points out that last year’s winner I’ll Have Another only had a 6.93 furlong average despite other pedigree signs that suggested 10 furlongs was right up his alley. So, take the chart with a grain of salt// The latest Wynn Las Vegas future book has Revolutionary down to 8-1 and Orb to 7-1, which makes the latter the co-favorite with Verrazano. You will most likely get better odds on two of those by waiting for Derby Day// more…

Articles:

Santa Anita Derby another Ghost story? (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby spot in sight for Goldencents, Krigger (DRF)

Verrazano continues family tradition (DRF)

An old-school approach to the Derby (ESPN)

Orb’s maiden victory- A key race (Sports Network)

John Velazquez faces very tough decision (The Kentucky Derby Post)

Mylute arrives at Churchill [plus Fallen Sky and Dynamic Sky] (Churchill Downs)

Mylute headed to Kentucky Derby if he has enough points (The Times-Picayune)

Distance questions begin for Kentucky Derby contenders (Bloodhorse Blog)

2013 Kentucky Derby: Contenders and analysis (SB Nation)

Titletown Five eyes Derby Trial, Preakness Stakes (DRF)

Where they’re going next (Downey Profile)

The bullet train Derby platform 4/1 [video] (Brisnet via YouTube)

Rancho Santa Fe couple has reason to be optimistic about this year’s Kentucky Derby (Rancho Santa Fe Review)

An unexpected turn [Shanghai Bobby Blog] (Courier Journal)

Future Odds:

Wynn Las Vegas 4/1 (View From Vegas)

William Hill 4/1 (View From Vegas)

Rankings:

Haskin’s Derby Dozen 4/2 (Bloodhorse)

Works:

Super Ninety Nine- SA- 4F- 47:20- H- 1/15

Den's Legacy- SA- 4F- 47:20- H- 1/15

Manando- SA- 4F- 48:40- H- 4/15

Shanghai Bobby gets vacation, off Derby trail// Speak Logistics skipping Bluegrass, chance at Kentucky Derby// Santa Anita Derby, Wood, Blue Grass news// more…

Chalk one up for logic. The connections of Shanghai Bobby announced they will put the 2-year-old Champion on the shelf for awhile and gear up for a Summer campaign instead of the Spring Classics. Shanghai Bobby’s prospects of making the Derby field were slim as is, considering his 24 points were likely not enough to qualify. Not to mention, it doesn’t appear anything over 1 1/16 miles suits him// Well, take that point away from logic. Todd Pletcher tells Jennie Rees that there is a real possibility Palace Malice will be wheeled back in two weeks to the Blue Grass (G1). Not only is the Polytrack surface a complete unknown for Palace Malice, but also the timing of the race being just two weeks after the Louisiana Derby (G2) and three weeks before the Kentucky Derby (G1) is asking a lot from any 3-year-old// Keeneland announced probables for the likely full Blue Grass field: Will Take Charge, Uncaptured, Charming Kitten, Dewey Square, Dynamic Sky, Falling Sky, Fear the Kitten, Footbridge, Java’s War, Noble Tune, Reporting Star, Rydilluc, Tessaron, Tiz a Minister, Undrafted, and War Academy. Three others were listed as possible: Palace Malice, Mudflats, and Eton Blue. While I realize Bob Baffert has to separate his prospects as best he can, I was disappointed to see War Academy on the Blue Grass list. He did break his maiden on synthetic, but it seems more of a choice for the B-team. The Blue Grass lost a contender in Speak Logistics, whose connections decided to race in the Calder Derby instead. That ensures the colt is no longer on the Derby trail// Baffert said Flashback had the “perfect” work Monday ahead of the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Flashback is one of many contenders racing Saturday primarily for Kentucky Derby points. The Santa Anita Derby will be a strong cast led by the top four finishers from the San Felipe (G2)- Hear the Ghost, Flashback, Tiz a Minister, and Goldencents. Power Broker and Super Ninety Nine have their connections looking for redemption at Santa Anita after well-publicized last race failures. Recent maiden winner Storm Fighter rounds out the list of probables// The star attractions of the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct, Verrazano and Vyjack, don’t have to worry about Derby points, but for the rest of the field the race represents the last chance for a run at the Roses// I’ve updated the CTD Top 5. You’ll notice Revolutionary still didn’t crack the list. Something about the Louisiana Derby (G2) just doesn’t sit well with me. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest flavors of the week, but I’m basing his exclusion on the belief the La Derby field was weak and there was nothing convincing about his victory. Orb did make the cut for essentially the same reasons Revolutionary didn’t// more…

Articles:

Shanghai Bobby given a rest (Brisnet)

Calder Derby attracts Speak Logistics (DRF)

Full field likely for Bluegrass (Keeneland)

Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial next regional tests (DRF)

Keeneland expects full gate for Blue Grass (Bloodhorse)

Wood Memorial: Normandy Invasion gives Chad Brown first serious shot at Derby (DRF)

Under the radar: Super Ninety Nine (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Update: April 1 (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby contender injury/missing list- March (Pedigree Power)

Kentucky Derby Daily: April 1 (In The Money)

Kentucky Derby contender Black Onyx [video] (Horseracing Nation)

Ten Santa Anita Derbies that left their mark (DRF)

Santa Anita Derby winners make the grade as sires (DRF)

PPs

Updated Triple Crown Nominees [pdf] (Brisnet)

Rankings:

CTD Top 5 (CTD)

AP Top 10 (AP)

NTRA Top 10 (Bloodhorse)

Top 10 (Star-Ledger)

Top 10 (Left at the Gate)

Derby Gauge Top 15 (In The Money)

Works:

Cerro- PMM- 5F- 1.06:14- B- 7/7 (Turf)

Flashback- SA- 4F- 48:00- H- 4/22

War Academy- SA- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 4/23

Quotes and Tweets:

"Solid 5/8 for Flashback, in co., in final prep for SA Derby, good gallop out. Tab workmate Del Mar Sunset when meets maidens" - Jay Privman via Twitter

"Kind of disappointing work for War Academy (5f, 1:01), in co. with Belvin, who looked to be going best in team drill"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"Pletcher says Palace Malice, troubled stretch run in #LaDerby, could run back in #BlueGrass w goal of #KyDerby pts (and G1 win)"- Jennie Rees

Weekend Review: Govenor Charlie breaks track record at Sunland// Black Onyx surprises in Spiral// Key workouts for Florida, Louisiana Derbies// KDFW Pool #3 closes with ‘all others’ favored

Point Races:

Sunland Derby (G3)

Winner (pts): Govenor Charlie

2nd, 3rd, 4th, (pts): Show Some Magic (20), Abraham (10), Shakin It Up (5)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 95/99

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

CTD Analysis: Surely it’s sickening for other trainers to see the number of serious Bob Baffert Derby prospects increase on a seemingly daily basis. While his Southern California export operation took a little bump in the road in last week’s Rebel Stakes, it was back on track with Govenor Charlie for Sunday’s Sunland Derby (G3). The son of Midnight Lute was close to the pace in the first half mile before displaying his true class in the latter stages by pulling away to an easy 5-length score.

One point of annoyance that I feel must be stated (again): Can we agree that any quarter mile time that begins with 22 seconds (followed by whatever) and any half mile in 46 (followed by whatever) for a race over a mile should not be called “modest”? In fact it’s quick, especially for a 1 1/8 mile race. I’m not sure what’s happened over the last several years but there is no uniformity in race calling or reporting when it comes to pace.

With that out of the way, it’s impressive Govenor Charlie could sit just behind the hot pace set by Saint Prado and have more than enough to dominate the race. I was surprised to see the Beyer Speed figure come back only 95 considering he set a Sunland Park record, but the track was playing fast all day. The Sunland Derby field was not ultra impressive on paper either, with only three entrants having won a race other than a maiden, and none of those races longer than a mile.

Still, Govenor Charlie should be a solid mid-to-upper tier choice in the Kentucky Derby (G1) based on his connections, speed figures, proven ability, and pedigree (second dam is Silverbulletday, a Grade 1 winner at 1 1/4 miles among other notable accomplishments).

Spiral Stakes (G3)

Winner (pts): Black Onyx

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Uncaptured (20), Giant Finish (10), Taken by the Storm (5)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 90/96

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

CTD Analysis: While the Sunland Derby winner could end up on a lot of Derby tickets, it’s hard to see the same happening for the Spiral Stakes (G3) winner Black Onyx. Sent off at 15-1 odds, Black Onyx will enter the Derby sporting low speed figures and a lone stakes win that came on a synthetic track. Nonetheless, he should be respected for making a strong closing move in a modestly set pace and for holding off multiple stakes winner Uncaptured in the stretch. Although his only win on dirt was just a maiden, that 2 1/4 lengths victory and his closing running style could be enough to make me second guess leaving Black Onyx off some superfecta combinations.

Second place Uncaptured should not be written off either. Not only was the Spiral his first race in four months and the longest he’s ever gone, but he’s already made it known the Churchill surface suits him. Uncaptured’s 30 points for the Kentucky Derby might be enough to make the field regardless of how he does in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland.

Updated Full Kentucky Derby Point Standings (CTD)

Non-point races:

Rushaway Stakes

Winner: Crop Report

Chart: Equibase

Beyer/BRIS: 85/94

Recaps: Bloodhorse

Articles:

Kentucky Derby next start for Black Onyx (DRF)

Departing, Mylute breeze for Louisiana Derby (Bloodhorse)

Hear the Ghost posts Santa Anita drill (Bloodhorse)

Shanghai Bobby in final Florida Derby tuneup (Bloodhorse)

Florida Derby contender Shanghai Bobby works with Louisiana Derby prospect Palace Malice (DRF)

Itsmyluckday posts final Florida Derby work (Bloodhorse)

Are You Kidding Me to point to Florida Derby (Bloodhorse)
Verrazano gallops out powerfully after half-mile breeze (Brisnet)

“The Ballad of the Killer V’s” to take center stage at the Wood Memorial (New Jersey Newsroom)

Verrazano to face Vyjcak in Wood Memorial (Bloodhorse)

Maiden winners Storm Fighter, Summer Exclusive earn a shot [for Santa Anita Derby] (DRF)

Conflicted Derby fans favor ‘all others’ in tight final future pool [pdf] (Churchill Downs)

Rankings:

Top 10 (Star-Ledger)

Workouts:

Friday

Demonic- HOL- 5F- 1.01:20- H- 7/20

Golden Soul- FG- 6F- 1.12:60- B- 1/2

Frac Daddy- GP- 5F- 1.00:24- H- 2/16

Vyjack- AQU- 5F- 59.07- B- 1/7

Saturday

Elnaawi- BEL- 5F- 1.02:54- B- 8/32

Speak Logistics- CRC- 4F- 47:20- H- 1/63

Itsmyluckyday- CRC- 4F- 49:40- B- 19/63

Dynamic Sky- PMM- 5F- 1.00:88- B- 7/31

Honorable Dillon- PMM- 4F- 50:04- B- 45/55

Clearly Now- PMM- 5F- 1.01:84- B- 18/31

Rydilluc- PMM- 7F- 1.30:18- B- 1/1 (Turf)

Positively- PMM- 4F- 49:66 B- 3/6 (Turf)

Clawback- AQU- 4F- 49:04- B- 4/19

Java's War- GP- 4F- 49:07- B- 20/53

Sunbean- FG- 4F- 49:20- B- 12/70

Sunday

Dewey Square- GP- 5F- 1.00:81- B- 4/24

Belvin- SA- 5F- 59:60- H- 1/61

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 6F- 1.13:60- H- 5/14

Code West- SA- 5F- 1.00:20- H- 3/47

Departing- FG- 4F- 47:20- B- 1/64

Mylute- FG- 4F- 50:00- B- 43/64

Mountain Eagle- PMM- 3F- 37:12- B- 1/6

Normandy Invasion- PMM- 5F- 1.00:22- B- 1/34

Overanalyze- PMM- 4F- 48:20- B- 4/43

Revolutionary- PMM- 4F- 48:20- B- 4/43

Palace Malice- PMM- 5F- 1.00:82- B- 6/34

Shanghai Bobby- PMM- 5F- 1.00:82- B- 6/34

Verrazano- PMM- 4F- 49:79- B- 20/43

Weekend Review: Rebel recaps and analysis// Key workouts// Can War Academy, Zaikov join chase?// Updated Wynn future odds// more…

Rebel Stakes (G2)

Winner (pts): Will Take Charge (50)

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Oxbow (20), Den’s Legacy (10), Texas Bling (5)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 95/101

Recaps: Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

CTD Analysis:

Will Take Charge has never really gotten any respect. Even after upsetting the Smarty Jones Stakes at 12-1, he was only 7-1 in the follow-up Southwest (G3). An 18-length defeat in the slop was all the ammo most bettors needed to write him off for the remaining Oaklawn series of races. On Saturday in the Rebel (G2) he made himself known once again with a well-timed come-from-behind victory down the stretch over stablemate Oxbow.

Will Take Charge’s break and early going was clean but he did have to navigate some traffic and make a wide move into the far turn. While some call the fractions just slightly faster than average, I think a 23.36 quarter and 47.19 half are quick for a 1 1/16 mile contest and did help Will Take Charge make up ground. The Beyer/BRIS speed figures of 95/101 are respectable, and despite the inevitable improvement of competition in upcoming races, Will Take Charge should be a threat considering his running style and proven class.

Runner-up Oxbow garnered just as much respect as the winner, if not more, based on his wide trip in the first half of the race. An argument can be made that Mike Smith moved too soon before the 2nd turn too, but he claims it was “the hand that was dealt to us”. I don’t buy it, but nonetheless it was a gutsy and encouraging effort from the other Lukas trainee.

Den’s Legacy seems to always be in the mix, with his show in the Rebel representing the fourth consecutive in-the-money finish in a Derby points race. He’s always at least a length behind the winner, and never making a strong final move, but his constant presence should be noted. Den’s Legacy probably needs another good finish to earn enough points for the Kentucky Derby.

TV analysts and others commented on a “no-show” performance by favorite Super Ninety Nine. Even the colt’s connections couldn’t come up with a valid excuse other than a “deep track”. Maybe I watched a different race, but I saw multiple excuses. Starting from the outside post in a ten-horse field, Super Ninety Nine was kept wide into the first turn by Title Contender who was really urged in the opening strides by Luis Quinonez. Although Super Ninety Nine settled in the backstretch and was in a good position, he ran into more trouble down the stretch when sandwiched by Oxbow and Den’s Legacy and forced to pull back. By that time the race had already taken it’s toll on Super Ninety Nine and he threw in the towel. I believe with a better postposition and trip Super Ninety Nine could be heard from again.

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings (CTD)

News Summary:

The day after the Rebel, next race plans were already tentatively scheduled for the top finishers. D. Wayne Lukas will separate his one-two duo by sending winner Will Take Charge to Keeneland for the Blue Grass (G1) and keeping Oxbow at Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby (G1). Third place Den’s Legacy will also return to Oaklawn, while Bob Baffert will look for other options for dissapointing well beaten favorite Super Ninety Nine// The Sunland Derby (G3) is shaping up to be a popular race. With a virtual automatic entry to the Kentucky Derby for the winner and $800,000 purse it’s no surprise// As usual, a bevy of contenders put in official workouts over the weekend. Shanghai Bobby always gets ink following a breeze, and remains on target for the Florida Derby (G1). His foe Itsmyluckyday breezed at Calder Saturday, while another likely Florida Derby entrant Orb is set for a workout Monday// Recent San Felipe (G2) winner Hear the Ghost didn’t get much time off seeing as he breezed four panels at Hollywood, which is just a day over a week from that race// Finally, be sure to keep tabs on two winners from Friday. War Academy won an allowance at Santa Anita by over three lengths, while Todd Pletcher trained Zaikov trounced his competition in a maiden contest at Gulfstream by over fourteen lengths. It’s getting late and Pletcher indicated Zaikov’s next race would be an allowance, so it’s unlikely he’ll point for the Derby. War Academy on the other hand will take a shot in an upcoming 170-point Derby prep// more…

Articles:

Rebel one-two finishers target Blue Grass, Arkansas Derby (DRF)

Arkansas Derby more likely for Den’s Legacy than Super Ninety Nine (DRF)

Rebel proof new points system works (ESPN)

Notes on the Rebel (DRF)

Shanghai Bobby stays sharp for Florida Derby (Bloodhorse)

Orb scheduled for Florida Derby breeze (Brisnet)

Ground Supports works swiftly for La Derby (Bloodhorse)

Falling Sky to make next start in Arkansas Derby (DRF)

Sunland Derby expected to attract full field of 12 (DRF)

Frac Daddy likely for Florida Derby (Bloodhorse)

Elnaawi works for Wood Memorial (DRF)